Vessel Details - Boyd N. Sheppard

About the Boyd N. Sheppard
The schooner Boyd N. Sheppard was built by George Vannaman in Mauricetown, New Jersey in 1886, as an oyster freighter, carrying oysters plucked from Delaware Bay to market. She was renamed Isaac H. Evans in 1919 after the oysterman father of the then owners. Now over 130 years old, and designated a National Historic Landmark (there are only a handful of vessels that are so honored), you know she must be an exceptional and well loved vessel. She was built when oystering was the biggest fishing industry in America and spent many years working the Delaware Bay till she came to Maine for a new life as a Maine Windjammer in 1971. She was completely rebuilt at the Bath Marine Museum and adapted for her new occupation.

Although steeped in history, Isaac H. Evans had a reputation for always being a well maintained and neatly kept schooner with very comfortable amenities. A legacy of her past occupation, she is a very shallow draft vessel allowing us to haunt the islands of the coast, seeing seals, eagles and small harbors we love.

Her new owners, Katie & Adam McKinlay, experienced Windjammer sailors, shepherded the vessel through a massive just-completed renovation, and took her back to her original name. In homage to her history, the schooner will offer her guests the best of local oysters as part of the ships's diverse menu of locally sourced and grown produce. With day-of-sailing provisioning, guests' diets and food restrictions can be easily accommodated.

Katie & Adam take pleasure in sharing their knowledge of sailing, and are happy to provide instruction in coastal navigation, helmsmanship, sail trim, and even bread baking!. Guests will have plenty of opportunities to explore, walking or hiking on Maine's amazing array of island trails and beaches accessible to the public.

cabins have wide berths, plenty of storage, and provide creature comforts in the form of Pendleton wool blankets, and sheepskin rugs on cabin soles. Her main cabin has a vintage potbelly stove to provide welcome heat on chilly evenings or early mornings. Down to the smallest detail, guests will enjoy a level of comfort one wouldn't expect aboard a schooner built in 1886 while still experiencing the simplicity and joy of living aboard a boat.

The Boyd N. Sheppard at a Glance

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